Understanding Dental Pain and Bacterial Infections

About five years ago, a nagging pain started to form in my back molar. I ignored the pain for about six months, and the discomfort disappeared. The tooth soon cracked while I was munching on some nuts. After some x-rays and a brief meeting with my dentist, I was informed that I needed a root canal procedure. The dentist explained that the initial dental pain indicated that I had a dental infection. The bacteria destroyed the pulp and nerve inside the tooth, and this left the molar dead and brittle. The tooth was later repaired with a crown, and I started to investigate dental infections. I know now that dental infections are extremely serious. Bacteria can spread through the mouth, to the heart, and to the brain. In some cases, infectious bacteria can even destroy the jaw. You need to know these facts too, so you can retain your health.

When it comes to adjusting the bite of your teeth for a straighter smile and less damage to each tooth, most patients assume that the more complex invisible and sub-lingual braces are always the best options. However, choosing the traditional metal braces with a new type of arch wires can give you a better combination of dental benefits. Find out how the new heat sensitive arch wires make metal braces a viable option once again.

Reduced Pain Levels

First, you'll appreciate the fact that the heat-activated arch wires make braces less painful from start to finish. The wires apply a lighter and more even pressure across the teeth, resulting in fast alignment changes with reduced pain.

Multiple Force Zones

Due to the advanced combination of multiple metals like nickel and titanium, the arch wires offer a varied profile of force depending on how the wire is bent. The angle causes the top of the curve to press outward with less pressure, while the bent ends that rest against your last molars provide the most force for relocating larger teeth with deeper roots. Multiple zones of aligning force allow you to reach your ideal alignment quickly without damaging your teeth.

Slow Pressure Increases

Some types of heat-activated arch wires even change their hardness as they age over a period of a few months. This means the wires start out soft and slowly press more and more on the teeth as your tolerance naturally grows for the sensations of having your smile rearranged. Even the most basic heat sensitive arch wires will gradually increase pressure over the first few days instead of tightening up all at once, resulting in easier visits to the orthodontists for big adjustments.

Lower Prices

On top of the improved pressure profiles, you'll also appreciate the lower cost thanks to the need for fewer trips to the orthodontist for adjustments. The heat activation reaction causes the wires to move more on their own with less work on the orthodontist's part. Traditional metal braces also cost substantially less than invisible or sub-lingual options, even with advanced arch wires.

Faster Installations

Finally, these wires are cooled to room temperature or below until they reach a stage known as dead soft. When that soft, it's very easy for the orthodontist to quickly attach the pre-shaped wires to your particular brackets. This results in faster installations when compared to the old-fashioned stainless steel wires that were installed with a fixed hardness.